Protesters seek to protect the Rainbow River

The Southwest Florida Water Management District held a workshop to discuss setting the Rainbow River’s minimum-flow level at 5 percent. Protestors want no allowable reduction.

Austin L. Miller @almillerosb

Thursday's late-day protest in Dunnellon drew more than 300 people. It packed City Hall and stretched out the door.

Its message was clear: Do not take water from the Rainbow River.

They spoke at a public workshop conducted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud), which met to discuss — and seek public input on — minimum-flow recommendations for the beloved, spring-fed Rainbow River.

Inside the auditorium, Swiftmud officials said, contrary to popular opinion, they want to protect the Rainbow River and other water bodies. The officials at the workshop — including a scientist and a hydrogeologist — took turns providing data and attempting to reassure the audience that they mean no harm.

By state law, Swiftmud is required to adopt new minimum-flow levels by July 1, and, based on its research, has recommended 5 percent for the Rainbow River. In other words, Swiftmud contends, there should be no more than a 5 percent flow reduction to maintain the river's health. Swiftmud officials said the agency is working to protect the river and not harm it.

Based on Swiftmud studies, “the recommended minimum flow for the Rainbow River System is an allowable 5 percent flow reduction or equivalently, the maintenance of the natural flow,” according to a draft of the water management’s detailed recommendation.

The crowd, however, was vocal about wanting no allowable water reductions. Their concerns, as one said, are observational evidence, not scientific evidence.

"The nitrates are higher than ever," said Burt Eno, a longtime river advocate.

Dennis L. Jones, who served in the Florida legislature for more than three decades and now lives in Dunnellon, said Swiftmud is "going down the wrong way." There are serious problems with the river that need to be addressed, he said.

Swiftmud officials said they applaud the people who attended the meeting, as it showed they care about their community and the river. They said the data they collect is reviewed by independent scientists. They said pumping from one water basin does not affect another, and they provided data to prove their point.

Connie Bryant, who was among the protesters, told the Star-Banner she doesn't want the state taking the water from the Rainbow River because the water would be sold to prop up new construction or water-bottling companies.

"We don't want them to draw any water from the river," she said.

Protestor Sandra Marraffino believes that water removed from the river will be sent to other communities, and the studies presented by Swiftmud are flawed and outdated. Instead of taking water from the river, Marraffino said she would like to see a recovery plan for the river and other water bodies. To accomplish that, she wants to see local politicians work together to preserve the water bodies.

Many at the meeting said they plan to attend the Governor's Board meeting on March 28.

Located in Dunnellon, the Rainbow River flows 5.7 miles south from the headsprings before joining the Withlacoochee River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a first-magnitude spring system and the fourth largest spring-fed river in Florida. The headwaters are located within Rainbow River State Park and are designated by Florida Statute as an Outstanding Florida Spring.